Step adapter for rung ladders

Abstract

Step adapters for a rung ladder to provide an increased support surface or area is described. In one embodiment, the step adapter includes a brace, a platform, a lock and a safety bar. The lock, safety bar and platform are provided to structurally engage or embrace a rung of a ladder, and the brace supports the adapter against the rails of a ladder so that in total the step adapter provides an extended step structure to ease standing on the ladder, especially for an extended period of time. In another embodiment, the step adapter includes brace, platform and lock sections, where the platform section side edges are configured to lock the step adapter in place on a rung of a ladder. A tray overlay is also described which when used in combination with the step adapter (which serves as a support) provides a service area for holding work-related items.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 167,013 filed May 27, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]Step adapters for rung ladders are described which provide for increased step or support area on a ladder rung. The step adapters are structurally simple for ease of manufacture and use, and which provide safety in use of both the step adapter and a rung ladder. Further, a tray overlay in combination with a step adapter serving as a support element is described to provide a platform for holding work items on a rung ladder.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The step adapter of the invention is useful with rigid ladders having rungs or steps for ascending the ladder and standing on while performing work from the ladder. The rungs are supported by two vertical side members called rails or stringers or stiles. Rung ladders can be made of metal, wood, fiberglass or tough plastic. The ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Step adapters for a rigid rung ladder are described which are safe in use and provide an increased support surface to a user to reduce stress on the feet and lower legs of a user, especially over a period of extended use.

[0009]A first and preferred embodiment of the step adapter includes a brace element, a platform element, a lock element and a safety element. At least the brace, platform and lock elements are of one piece. Alternatively, all of the brace, platform, lock and safety elements are of one piece. The step adapter is preferably made from a metal, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, or is an injection molded piece of tough plastic, both of which provide a lightweight structure with weight-bearing strength.

Problems solved by technology

If the angle is too shallow, the bottom of the ladder is at the risk of sliding.

If the angle is too steep, the ladder is at the risk of falling backwards.

Due to the (1) nature of the angle of work when a user is on a leaning ladder, (2) limited space on a rung of the ladder, and (3) need to stand in one place to maintain stability, standing on a ladder for an extended period of time, especially on a narrow rung is tiring and stressful to the feet and legs.

Generally, however, such have been complex as to structure and, thus, more difficult to use and manufacture.

Images